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"side stalls only open at peak times"

Skegness Pier is widely entertaining for visitors of all ages. The Pier was built in 1881. There used to be a Theatre situated on the pier, but unfortunately there was a devastating storm in 1978 with tragic consequences – the Theatre was totally destroyed. But, Skegness Pier has long since been re-constructed and now features Amusements, Fair Rides, Side Stalls and Refreshment Area's. Also if you fancy a brisk walk - you can go out through the back doors onto the end of the pier where you will find many fair rides and side stalls, or maybe you'd like to walk to the end (it may be a bit breezy), where you can watch the waves and the kids building sandcastles on the beach. If you look over to the right in the distance you will be able to see East Anglia and if you look to the left - you might even catch a glimpse of the popular holiday resort - Butlins Funcoast World. On the way back to the amusements within the Pier, why don’t you try your luck at one of the many side stalls – everything from hooking the duck to playing darts to win cuddly toys. If you start to feel hungry or thirsty then don’t despair. The Pier has its very own refreshment outlets. So whether you fancy an ice cream, sweets, hamburgers, cream cakes, chips, milkshakes, fizzy drinks or even a nice warm mug of hot chocolate, – you will be fully catered for! Once inside the Pier there are so many different arcade games (popular games) and amusements to choose from such as one arm bandits, 2p slot machines, 5p slot machines, 10p slot machines, Arabian derby, bingo, driving games, cuddly toy machines (there are quite a few of these – various cuddly toys for all ages) and sweet machines etc! Luckily most of the slot machines have prizes on – ranging from sweets to card packs and badges etc. Some even have small cuddly toys to be won. Try and beat your opposition at the modern computerised bowling alleys (Pier Super Bowl) situated under the Pier. It’s the ones where the bowling balls have holes for your fingers and you have to wear flat bowling shoes. If you fancy a game of bingo (the traditional seaside way) then you are certainly in the right place. Bingo is situated near the end where the side stalls are. but if your children aren’t too happy about watching Bingo and would prefer to be somewhere else, why don’t you drop them off at the children’s play area in the middle of the pier. They will enjoy the various ball pits, slides and rope climbing apparatus. There is even a little eating area inside the play area so give them some change and they will be kept amused and fed whilst you have that game of Bingo you’ve eyed up all day! There are toilets inside the Pier – but unfortunately not for the disabled, although there are disabled toilets under the Pier, but you have to go outside to reach them. Access to the Pier can be via steps, flat ground or a ramp depending on which entrance you come in by. Entrance to the Pier is free and the amusements are all indoors, apart from the side stalls, but they are only open certain times of the year e.g. peak times!

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"A bit basic."

When you go through the entrance to Skegness Pier you may not even notice that you have gone onto a pier, as it just seems like another seafront amusement arcade. You tend to think of piers as being over the sea, but the vast majority of this pier is over land, with just a short viewing platform at the end overlooking the sea. It is unfortunate that most of the piers in this country have lost that magic they used to have, as an attraction for walking along and taking in the sea air, with the waves gently rolling beneath the wooden planking of the pier. This pier is basically a giant amusement arcade, which is very noisy and very busy. As well as all the normal amusement machines there is a large kiddie’s soft play area, a few gift shops and prize bingo. We were attracted by the signs for an Ice Cream Parlour, but were very disappointed to find a very basic food counter with a few tables and chairs next it, in the middle of all the amusement machines. However, the pictures of the ice cream sundaes on the menu tempted us, so we ordered four. Unfortunately the girl behind the counter realised she was running short of change (not for us) and so went off to get some, leaving us just standing there. After a few minutes we were beginning to think this was some stunt from Trigger Happy and started looking for the cameras. After about 15 minutes she returned, with no apology and carried on making the sundaes. If we had not already paid we would have been long gone by then. Admittedly the ice cream was very nice, it was just the service and the surroundings that were awful. As I went to sit down I moved the chair and the back fell off of it. After a quick repair job we carried on with the ice cream. I didn’t feel quite so guilty when the same thing happened to somebody who came to sit at the next table. (No, I had not swapped chairs!) Obviously somebody had bought a batch of cheap chairs. At the far end of the pier you can go o utside and the pier does stretch for about 50m over the water (when the tide is in!) There are a few benches where you can sit down here, plus a bouncy castle and a couple of other small children’s rides. Underneath the pier there are a few more gift shops, some public toilets and a bowling alley. The bowling alley is open from 10.00am to midnight and although it is not very big it is probably the best attraction on the pier. At certain times (like when they first open in the morning) there are some very cheap offers for having a game of bowling, so these are worth looking out for. Unfortunately the pier is not anything special, the only good point being that it is free, but if you are not a fan of amusement arcades, then this is not the place for you.

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Skegness Pier is an very family entertaining experience. Aswell as the usual amusement's slot machines etc. There is a wide selection of 'other things to do' There is a large softplay/climbing area (similar to a wacky warehouse) This is mainly for children over 5 as the equipment gets quite complex and high! There is the ability to have your photo taken and put onto any item that you wish T shirts, mugs etc. All of the standard catering facilities are available including a delicious selection of baguettes. At the end of the pier there is a viewing area where you can look out to sea on the newly placed benches. Also at the end is a large area accomodating Trampolines, bouncy castles, hook a duck etc. The whole pier is very well presented however is very NON wheelchair and pushchair friendly. There are no ramps or lifts and several steps to climb making walking along it very difficult if you have a 'wheeled carriage' with you. There is babychanging facilities and toilets for disabled, however as previously stated they are difficult to get to.